Does warm weather climate affect eating disorder pathology?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine whether residing in a year-round warm weather climate is related to eating disorder pathology.

METHOD

College females from a southeastern and a northeastern region of the United States were compared on body mass index, the Bulimia Test-Revised, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Females residing in the southeastern region were of significantly lower body weight, engaged in more frequent bulimic behaviors (e.g., bingeing and inappropriate compensatory behaviors), and displayed significantly greater concern regarding their body shape compared with the females residing in the northeastern region.

DISCUSSION

Findings obtained in this study indicate that residing in a warm weather climate may produce a heightened risk for development of eating disorder pathology.